Amador County, CA
Amador County Sheriff’s Office
CAlifornia
Rural | Population: 42,026Amador County, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is taking a pragmatic approach to reintegrating justice-involved individuals back into the community. Awarded a Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant in 2023, the county is strategically investing in programs that emphasize individual responsibility, community safety, and long-term self-sufficiency. Amador County's program, operated by the Sheriff’s Office, reflects a firm belief in the potential of rehabilitation, empowering individuals to become self-reliant contributors to society.
A Commonsense Strategy
Amador County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a carefully calibrated plan predicated on leveraging existing resources and fostering local partnerships. As Project Director Holly Sandman aptly put it, the guiding principle is to determine, "How do we incorporate our program and expand efforts that are currently taking place so we are working smarter?" This involves a thorough assessment of current services, identification of critical gaps, and the development of sustainable solutions that will yield tangible benefits for the community for years to come.
The focus is on three key areas that are indispensable for successful reentry: peer recovery support, discharge planning, and job training. Peer recovery support provides guidance and encouragement to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse. Discharge planning ensures a seamless transition from incarceration to community life. Job training equips individuals with the requisite skills and opportunities to secure gainful employment and become productive members of the workforce.
Pillars of the Amador County Reentry Program
The Amador County Sheriff’s Office’s reentry program emphasizes seamless transitions from incarceration back into the community.
Jail-Based Reentry Program
Operated by the Amador County Sheriff’s Office with discharge planners coordinating care pre-and post-release.
Reentry Manager Role
Oversees big-picture planning and service integration while working closely with correctional health vendors to identify participants.
Continuity of Care
Ensures treatment appointments are scheduled pre-release and provides 30-day bridge prescriptions for medication continuity.
Virtual Peer Recovery Support
Delivered through YouTurn to assist participants during community reintegration.
Employment Training and Placement
Local job training agency partners provide job search skills, interview preparation, and employment opportunities.
“The relationships you build, no matter what program you’re working in, will make or break a program.”
—holly sandman, program manager
amador county sheriff’s office
The Force Multiplier of Local Partnerships
According to Holly Sandman, it’s essential to establish strong working relationships so that it’s not “this is our program and that's your program.” Rather, “It's very open conversation, because we've built those relationships over the years.” By enlisting the support of local entities, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office is creating a comprehensive network of support for returning citizens, bolstering their prospects for successful reintegration.
Partners
Amador County Probation Department
Amador County Behavioral Health Department
Amador County Sheriff’s Office
Local job training resources
YouTurn
A Foundation for the Future
Amador County Sheriff’s Office’s is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the enduring impact of this program. A critical element of their strategy is a comprehensive resource mapping initiative, which identifies existing services and establishes a framework for long-term sustainability.
“We're looking at tangible things that continue after the grant funding,” Sandman notes, underscoring their dedication to lasting results. By developing a resource directory, the Sheriff’s Office is empowering its citizens and ensuring that these essential services remain accessible for the long haul.
Real Results, Renewed Hope
“This program not only helps reduce recidivism but also fosters a sense of hope and purpose for those who are often marginalized. It plays a crucial role in creating a pathway for second chances.”
—diana evensen,
program manager
The Amador County reentry program experienced a gradual launch due to technical hurdles for virtual service referrals. However, the agency’s reentry program is now gaining momentum and showing promising signs of success.
Amador County's reentry program stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and a steadfast commitment to effective reentry coordination. By investing in evidence-based strategies and empowering individuals to reclaim their lives, Amador County is fostering a safer, more prosperous, and more resilient community for all its residents.
Project Director
Holly Sandman, Program Manager
Amador County Sheriff’s Office
hsandman@amadorgov.org
209-223-6330
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.